Martin O’Neill has revealed Celtic were given a “general behaviour” warning by Police Scotland before Sunday’s Old Firm League Cup quarter-final against Rangers at Ibrox.
The meeting took place on Friday and came ahead of the first competitive meeting between the Glasgow clubs since disorder marred their Scottish Cup quarter-final at the same stadium on 8 March.
There will be no Celtic supporters inside Ibrox for Sunday’s match, which is due to take place on 13 September, after the SPFL confirmed that Rangers and Celtic will play without away fans in their league and cup fixtures for the remainder of the 2026-27 season.
The decision followed discussions involving both clubs, the SPFL and Police Scotland, as well as an independent Scottish FA review into the events at the March fixture. Nine people have been arrested in connection with the disorder, while police said officers and members of the public were injured and that a 10-year-old child was struck by a coin.
O’Neill said Celtic’s players had been reminded of their responsibilities during a short session with officers at the club’s training ground.
“We had the police come in today, just a little 15-minute meeting with us, just reminders of our behaviour, which I think is actually a timely reminder,” the Celtic manager said.
“I think it’s the overall picture. Gosh, it’d be nice to have something to celebrate. I think it’s just general behaviour from us.”
The 74-year-old also suggested the authorities would be alert to what happens on the pitch if Celtic win, particularly after supporters from both clubs invaded the field following March’s penalty shoot-out.
“You don’t want any sort of punch-ups for a start; secondly, you don’t want too excessive celebrations,” O’Neill said. “I’d be delighted to be celebrating something in the game. But it’s the behaviour in the light of what has happened in recent fixtures.”
Both clubs have also been ordered to stage their next home Scottish Cup matches behind closed doors and have been fined £100,000, payable to whichever side is drawn away in their next respective ties in the competition.
O’Neill admitted the absence of Celtic fans would make the occasion feel unusual but said he remained eager for the contest, with Celtic having won all six of their Scottish Premiership matches this season.
“It’ll be a bit strange not having the fans in but I’m nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it’s a great fixture,” he said.
Midfielder Mika Baur is expected to train on Saturday after missing Friday’s session with a knock. O’Neill has yet to decide whether goalkeeper Sam Johnstone will retain his place after making his Celtic debut in Wednesday’s 1-0 win at St Johnstone, or whether Viljami Sinisalo will return.
